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THE LOAN OF A LOYER. 



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THE 



MINOR 

No. IV. 



DRAMA. 




A VAUDEVILLE 



ONE ACT 



BY J. R. PLANCHE. 

% 

WITH THE STAGE BUfeiNESS, CAST OF CHARACTERS, 
COSTUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. 



NEW YORK : 

WILLIAM TAYLOR & CO., No. 2 ASTOR HOUSE, 

AND JARVIS' BUILDINGS, BALTIMORE ; 

'.€& Boston: Redding & Co.— VliiladR]phia : S. G. Sberinan.— Pittsburgh : 

/"W^a J. W. Cook.— Charlef^ton : Amos Head.— Cincinnati : r^obiiison <fe Jones. 

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'I.VU^y II. Peutoa. P 

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THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 

Peter. I'll jump over tin wall, here, into the caria\ before your face. 
Gertrude. ludeed you sha'n't ! Peter, don't be a fool ! 



THE MINOR DRAMA 

No. IV. 



THE LOAI OF A LOYER. 

21 l)auJrn)ilU 



IN ONE ACT. 



BY J. R. PLAN CHE 



WITH THE STAGE BUSINESS, CAST OF CHARACTERS, 
COSTUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC, 



NE W YORK: 



WILLIAM TAYLOR & CO., No. 2 ASTOR HOUSE, 

AND JARVIS BUILDINGS, BALTIMORE. 
1847. 



•7^ h 



/ 



EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION. 

The " Loan of a Lover" is one of those Vaudevilles which, 
on account of its intrinsic merit, must necessarily retain posses- 
sion of the stage for a very long period. It is one of Mr. Plan- 
che's best efforts. There is a quiet repose about the piece, 
which is truly charming ; yet, when well played, it is the occa- 
sion of abundant merriment. The plot is artistically laid, though 
so skilfully is it done, and so easily and necessarily does it deve- 
lope itself, that it almost appears as if there were no plot at all. 
But the great beauty of the piece is in the perfect truth, the 
simplicity of the hero and heroine. They are unmistakable crea- 
tions of Nature. We cannot fail to recognize that they are living 
fellow beings. 

This piece was originally produced at the Olympic Theatre, 
London, Mr. Keeley enacting the part of Peter Spyk, and Ma- 
dame Vestris that of Gertrude. However weU the lady may 
have performed her part, (and she was inimitable in any cha- 
racter where a touch of archness became necessary), it is cer- 
tain that Mr. Keeley became identified with the piece ; and he 
has ever since made it a prominent selection in his starring en- 
gagements, yo those who have had the pleasure of seeing Mr. 
Keeley as Peter SpyJc, the remembrance of the quiet, quaint 
simplicity, with which he played the character, whilst yet he 
carefully preserved it from that of a mere simpleton, will not 
easily pass away. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

London Olympic, Park, 

Captain Amersfori Mr. J. Vining. Mr. Wheatley. 

Peter Spyk " Keeley, " Keeley. 

Steyzel " William Vining. " Fisher. 

Delve " Wyman. " Povey. 

Gertrude Madame Vestris. Mrs. Keeley. 

Ernestine Rosendaal Miss Fitzwalter. Miss Cushman. 



COSTUMES. 

CAPTAIN AMERSFORT.— Officer's uniform. 

PETER SPYK.— Nankeen jacket, flowered vest, full trunks, blue 

stockings, and Dutch hat. 
SWYZEL. — Buff<?oat and trunks, figured vest, blue stockings, and 

hat. 
DELVE. — Brown jacket and trunks, striped stockings, and russet hat. 
GERTRUDE. — Neat peasant's dress, with broad hat. — Second dress: 

Wedding dress of white muslin, trimmed with flowers. 
ERNESTINE. — Silk spencer, white muslin dress, scarf, and Swiss 

8traw hat. 



EXITS AND ENTRANCES. 
R. means Right ; L. Left; R. D. Right Door; L. D. Left Door; 
S. B. Second Entrance; U. E. Upper Eiitrance; M. D. Middle Door. 

RELATIVE POSITIONS. 
R., means Right; L., Left; C, Centre; R. C, Right of Centre; 
L. C, Left of Centre. 

H.B. Passages marked with Inverted Commas, are usually omitted in ihfi 
representation. 



THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 



ACT I 



Scene I. — Gardens of a Villa on the Canal near Utrecht. 
The tower of the Cathedral is seen in the distance. In 
one corner of the Gar deny overlooking the Canal, is a 
Summer House, r., in the Dutch taste. 

Enter Swyzel and Delve, r. 

Sioy. Do as you're bid, and no reflections. Don't you 
know the mistress is the master ? 

Del. Well, but now really, Mynheer Swyzel — to put 
out the orange-trees before the white frosts are over — is 
that common sense ? 

Swy. What have you to do with common sense ] No- 
thing at all — or you would not pretend to have more than 
your mistress. It is Mamzelle Ernestine's pleasure to 
turn the orangery into a ball-room, and turned it must be. 

Del. But the trees will die. 

Swy. Let 'em die, then — that's their business — yours is 
to clear the place out, according to order. About it, with- 
out more words ! If she told me to fling all the Schiedam 
in the cellar into the canal, I should do so, without hesi- 
tatiton. 

Del. You'd fling yourself after it, I'm sure. 

Sioy. Not when it was mixed with water, you rogue ! 
or while the Baron has money enough to buy more. Come 
— to work ! to work ! or you'll not get the room ready by 
midnight. 

Del. Oh, my poor orange trees — they'll die, every one 
of them ! [Exit, r. 

Swy. Silly fellow, to trouble his head about what does 
not concern him. " If his employers take no care for their 



6 , THE LOAN OF A LOVER. [Act I. 

own interests, why should he fidget about them 1 He 
hasn't the slightest notion of service ! Ah ! here's Peter 
Spyk. 

Entei- Peter, l. 

Well, Peter. 

Pet. Good morning, Master Steward. 

Swy. So, you've been to Amsterdam, to buy cattle, I 
hear 1 

Fet. Ay, and fine beasts they are, too, Master Steward. 
But, talking of beasts, how do you find yourself to-day] 
you were rather poorly when I left. 

Swy. Oh ! I'm better, thank you ; but Pm not so young 
as I was thirty years ago — I find that, Peter. Ah ! I envy 
you, you rogue ! Three-and-twenty — stout-timbered — 
light-hearted — and rich, I may say ; for old Jan Spyk, 
your father, left you a pretty round sum, I take it 1 ' 

Fet. Why, it might have been less, and yet worth hav- 
ing. Master Steward. 

Swy. Well, and why don't you get a wife, now ] All 
the girls in the neighbourhood are pulling caps for you. 

Fet. Why, I don't know ; they do look at me, somehow, 
but Pm not smitten with anybody in particular. However, 
I don't wish to prevent them — they may fall in love with 
me, and then I can choose, you know, 

Swy. Well, perhaps that's the best way. 

Fet. Yes, I think so — as Gertrude said to me the other 
day — you don't love anybody in particular, Peter, so you 
can look about you. 

Sioy. Gertrude — what, our Gertrude % The simpleton 
that has the run of the house and gardens by permission 
of the Baron, because she's the orphan daughter of his old 
bailiff, and who is always so mighty busy, doing nothing 
at all, by way of earning the living allowed her ! Is she 
your counsellor ] 

Fet. Oh, she and I gossip now and then, when we meet. 
She's a sort of relation of mine — my brother-in-law's aunt 
stood godmother to her. 

Sioy. Well, that is a sort of relation, certainly. 

Fet. And then, you see, simpleton as she is, she has now 
and then an idea, and that's the only thing I want — I ne- 
ver have an idea. It's very odd, but I never have what 



Scene I | THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 7 

you can really call an idea — of my own, that is — for I'm 
quick enough, if a person only just — and yesterday, now, 
1 saw her but for two or three minutes, and I'll be 
hanged if she didn't give me a capital idea ! and that's 
what has brought me here this morning. You've a Cap- 
tain Amersfort staying here, haven't you 1 

Sw]/. Oh, yes ; one of our young lady's score of lovers 
— and the best of 'em, too, to my mind ; but she's too ca- 
pricious to make up hers. He's a fine fellow — handsome, 
clever, gallant — 

Per. And landlord of the fine farm of Appledoorn — so 
Gertrude says. 

Swi/. Ah ! and you want to be his tenant, no doubt 1 

Pet. Why, Gertrude thinks — 

SivT/. Well, she's right there — it's pretty property ; but 
there are several farmers offering. 

Pet. So she tells me ; but she says that if you were to 
speak to the Captain in my favour — 

Sivi/. Well, she's right there, too. If I were to speak — 

Pet. And will you ? — will you. Master Steward I I've 
a keg at home of the finest flavour, which I should be too 
happy— 

Sw7/. Pshaw ! pshaw ! you know, if I do anything, it's 
never with a view to benefit myself, Peter ; [ Crosses, r.] 
so send me the keg, if it will serve you, and we'll see what 
can be done about it. 

Gertrude. [Without, l.] Mynheer Swyzel! Mynheer 
Swyzel ! 

Swi/. Here comes Gertrude. 

Enter Gertrude, running, l. 

Ger. Mynheer Swyzel ! Mynheer Swyzel ! 

Sw7/. Well, don't bawl so — you young baggage. 
[Crosses, c] What do you want 1 

Ger. [Out of breat/i.] You're to go directly — I*ve been 
looking for you everywhere, to tell you — there's Peter 
Spyk. 

Swy. To tell m.e that 1 — why, I know that. 

Ger. No ; to tell you — to tell you — how d'ye do, Peter 1 
are you very well ] [Crosses, c. 

• Pet. Ay, ay I 

Sivy. Will you tell me what you mean to tell me 'i 



THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 



[Act I. 



Ger. Law ! I'd almost forgotten — I'd run so fast. How 
well Peter looks this morning — don't he 1 

Siv}/. Do let Peter alone ! and tell me who wants me — 
and what for. Is it the wine for breakfast 1 

Ger. Yes, that's it — you've got the keys of the cellar, 
and the Baron wants some of the best Moselle, to give 
Captain Amersfort. 

iSivi/. Good morning, then, Peter. I'll take an oppor- 
tunity of speaking to the Captain, depend upon it. I must 
go now for the Baron. 

FRENCH AiR.— Gertrude. 

Well, but make more haste about it, 
Master wants to treat his guest. 

SWYZEL. 

Oh, I'll please him ! never doubt it ; 
Of his wines I know the best. 
He shall own, that down his throttle. 
Such has seldom fomid its way. 

Gertrude, — [Aside.^ 

Then you'll get him up a bottle 

Of what you drink every day. I Exit Swyzel, l. 

Ger. [Aside.] An old rogue, I am sure he is ; and he al- 
ways snubs me and scolds me. So does everybody, in- 
deed, except Peter. Peter never snubs me, at any rate ; 
but that's because he hardly ever speaks to me. Now on- 
ly look at him this moment ! there he stands, puffing away 
with his pipe, and turning up the whites of his eyes. Now, 
what can he be thinking about ? — that is, if he is thinking 
— suppose it's about — [Aloud, and taking hold of his arm\ 
—Peter ! 

Pet. Eh ! — Oh ! you're here still, are you 1 

Ger. [Aside. I How civil ! [Aloud.\ Yes, I'm here still; 
and if I had kept still, you'd never have known it, seem- 
ingly. What are you thinking about so deeply ] 

Pet. Thinking about ] Why, I was thinking about 
Mother Wynk's tavern, where I breakfasted this morning. 

Ger. What an interesting subject ! 

Pet. Rather. The old vrow worried my life out with — 
" Why don't you get married, Farmer Spyk 1" — " Why 
do you live alone, in that old house, like an owl in an ivy- 
bush V — " Why don't you take a wife 1 you've got money 



Scene I.] 



THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 9 



enough to keep one, and you are your own master ; you've 
only to please yourself." 

Ger. Well, and haven't I told you so over and over 
again 1 

Pet. Well, so you have ; and I do think, if I should get 
the Appledoorn Farm, I'll sign a lease and a contract the 
same day. 

Ger. But, if you don't get the farm, what does it signi- 
fy 1 — you might marry all the same for that. You've 
enough without. You needn't wait — that is, if you like 
anybody well enough to marry them. 

Pet. Ah, but then I don't know that I do. Now, who 
is there, in your opinion, that would suit me ^ 

Ger. Oh, I don't know. I dare say, if I were to choose, 
T could name somebody. 

Pet. Well, but let's see, now. To begin with the neigh- 
bourhood : — I know all the girls here, and I am sure I 
can't say. — [Suddenly .'\ What d'ye think of Mary Moer- 
dyke, to begin with 1 

Ger. Very bad to begin with, and much better to have 
done with as soon as possible. She is the worst tempered 
girl in all Utretcht, and as tall as the tower yonder — a 
great, gawky, sulky thing, just like it. 

Pet. Ah, well, I don't think she would suit me, certainly. 
But there's her cousin, Judith — she's very good-natured ] 

Ger. Ah, Judith's a pretty girl, if you please, and very 
good-natured, as you say, — perhaps a little too good-na- 
tured. 

Pet. No, really, humph ! — I shouldn't like that. What 
do you say to Anne Stein 1 

Ger. Everybody says she's a great coquette. See her 
on a Sunday, that's all ! or at a dance at the fair ! She's 
always changing her partner. 

Pet. Oh, if she's always changing her partner — well, 
they can't say that of the little Barbara % 

Ger. No, because she's lame, and can't dance at all. 

Pet. That's very true ; poor thing, she's lame, so she is. 
Well, I declare, then, Vrow Wynk herself! 

Ger. Old enough to be your grandmother. 

Pet. And Rachael, her daughter ? 

Ger. She's engaged to young Maurice. 



10 THE LOAN OF A LOVER [AcT I. 

Pet. The devil ! Then I must go farther a-field, for 
there's nobody else that I know of in this place. 

Ger. [Aside.] Oh, dear! oh, dear! how blind he is, to 
be sure. 

Pet. Ah ! — stop ! What a fool I am, never to have re- 
membered — 

Ger. Well, who ]— what 1 

Pet. Why, that to-morrow will be market-day here, and 
that there'll be plenty of pretty girls from all the villages 
round about — so I can choose without the trouble of a jour- 
ney. 

DUTCH AIR.— Peter. 
To-morrow will be market day, 
The streets all thronged with lasses gay, 
And from a crowd so great, no doubt, 
Sweethearts enough I may pick out. 
In verity, verity, &c. 

Gertrude. 
Be not too bold, for hearts fresh caught, 
Are ne'er, I'm told, to market brought ; 
The best, they say, are given away, 
Nor left to sell on market-day. 
In verity, verity, &c. 

Pet. Well, at any rate, I'll take my chance of to-mor- 
row. But yonder's Mamzelle and some of the gentlefolks, 
so I'll go and hear what the steward has done for me. 
Good bye, Gertrude. I say, mind, if you can find me a 
nice, little, good-tempered wife, I'll make you a present 
the day I'm married, and you shall dance at the wedding. 

[Exit, R. 

Ger. Now, isn't it provoking 1 He can think of every 
body but me ; and unless I were to say to him, plump, 
" Peter, will you marry me ?" — and then, if he should say, 
" No !" oh, I should die with shame and disappointment. 
Oh, dear ! oh, dear ! how vexatious it is ! And it's not 
only Peter, but nobody seems to think me worth marrying 
at all — nobody ever says a civil thing to me of any sort ! 
I never had a sweetheart in all my life, and I do believe 
that's the reason. If I only had one to being with, I 
shouldn't wonder if they swarmed afterwards. 
SONG.— (" A Temple to Friendship:') 

I don't think I'm ugly ! — I'm only just twenty — 
I know I should make a most excellent wife : 



Scene I.] THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 11 

The girls all around me have lovers in plenty, 
But I not a sweetheart can get for my life ! 

It isn't because I am not worth a penny, 

For lasses as poor I've known dozens to win ; 

That I should have none, and the others so many, 
I vow and declare it's a shame and a sin ! 

[Retires up the stage, sohbingy r. 

Enter Ernestine and Captain Amersfort, l. 

Amer. Why, you proposed the ride yourself, Ernestine. 

Em. Perhaps I did ; but I've changed my mind. 

Amer. Will you walk, then 1 

Em. It's too hot. 

Amer. By the side of the canal — under the trees ? 

Em. By the side of the canal 1 I wonder you don't 
propose that I skould tow the passage-boat. 

Amer. I shouldn't wonder if you proposed something 
equally extravagant. For myself, I have done — I shall 
suggest nothing else. Please yourself, if possible, and you 
will please me. 

Em. Now he's out of humour. 

Amer. No, not out of humour, but you are the most ca- 
pricious creature ! 

Em. Well, well, sir, if you are tired of your allegiance, 
renounce it at once. I have plenty of slaves at my foot- 
stool, who will serve me with oriental obedience ! 

Amer. (r.) If they really loved you, they would not en* 
courage you in your follies. 

Ern. (c.) My follies! How dare you talk to me of my 
follies, sir 1 Hold your tongue ! Hold your tongue, di- 
rectly ! There's Gertrude, and I want to speak to her. 
Gertrude ! [Calling. 

Ger. (l.) Yes, mamzelle. [Drying her eyes. 

Ern. What's the matter, Gertrude 1 you've been crying. 

Ger. (l.) Yes, mamzelle. 

Ern. And what for 1 Has any one vexed you ? some 
faithless swain, perhaps 1 

Ger. Oh, dear, no, mamzelle. 1 wish it was — but that's 
not possible ! [Bursts out afresh, 

Ern. How d'ye mean — not possible, child "? 

Ger. Because I haven't got a swain of any sort. 

Ern. Bless the girl! What, no sweetheart, at your 



12 THE LOAN OF A LOVER. [AcT I. 

Ger, No, mamzelle. 

Em. Then, perhaps, that's what you're crying about 1 

Ger. Yes, mamzelle. 

Em. Silly wench ! you ought to rejoice at it rather; the 
men are nothing but plagues, Gertrude. Lovers, indeed ! 
there's not one worth having. 

Ger. I — I wish I had one, though, just to try. 1 was 
just saying to myself, it was a shame that some young wo- 
men should have a score, and others none at all. 

A?ner. The girl is right enough there. It's a shame 
that some young women should have a score, and hold out 
equal hopes to all. 

Em. The sooner you lessen the number of mine, the 
better, then. I could manage to spare even the gallant 
Captain Amersfort — and — a capital thought ! as you seem 
so concerned at the unequal division, I'll transfer you to 
Gertrude. 

Ge?: Law, mamzelle, you don't say so? Will you, 
really 1 

Amer. Ernestine ! What folly ! 

Em. I'm quite serious. As you have no admirer, Ger- 
trude, and I have so many, I'll give you one of mine. 

Ge7\ Oh, but I don't want you to give me one, mamzelle. 
If you'll only lend me a beau— just to encourage the 
others. 

■ Em. Ha! ha! ha! delightful! That's better still! — 
you hear, sir, I am not to give you up altogether, though 
you deserve it; I shall only try your obedience! We 
command you, therefore, on pain of our sovereign displea- 
sure, to pay all proper attentions to our handmaid, Ger- 
trude ; you are her beau till further notice. 

Amer. Ernestine, are you mad 1 

Em. Mad or not, you will obey me, or take the conse- 
quences. I won't be charged with folly and extravagance 
for nothing. — [Aside.] Remember, I have promised my fa- 
ther to decide this day in favour of somebody. If you 
hesitate only, you are excluded from all chance. — \Aloud.\ 
Gertrude, I lend you a beau, on your personal security, 
mind. 

Ger. Oh, you needn't be afraid, mamzelle — I'll take the 
greatest care of him — and, besides — 



Scene I.) THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 13 

DUTCH AIR.— Gertrude. 

Think not 1 the heart would keep, 

I'm content to borrow ; 
See, if I don't have a heap, 

To pay it from, to-morrow. 
Money, money makes, they say— 

The job is to get any ! 
And lovers grow — so money may. 

Ernestine. 
Oh, yes, one fool makes many. 

Ern. [To Afuersfort.] One step, and you lose me forever. 

[Exit. 

Amer. [To himself.] This passes everything. I am a 
fool, indeed, and love her like a fool, or I v^ould never 
bear — 

Ger. Only think ! I've got a beau at last — and such a 

beau an officer ! a fine, young, handsome officer ! 

What'll Peter say to that 1 

Amer. And while I thus humour her caprices, she re- 
turns to the house to flirt with that puppy, Amstell, or that 
booby, Blankehburg. 

Ger. But he takes no more notice of me than Peter, 
himself. 

Amer, I will not endure it. I will follow her, and — 

Ger. Stop ! stop ! you mustn't run away — you're only 
lent to me, you know — and if I should lose you, there'll be 
a pretty business ! 

Amer, [ Laughing in despite of_ himself. \ Upon my word, 
this is is too ridiculous. So you really look upon me as 
a loan, do you 1 

Ger. Yes, and I don't choose to be left alone. My stars ! 
Peter could do that. 

Amer. Peter ! who's Peter ] I thought you said you 
hadn't a sweetheart in the world ? 

Ger. Nor have I. 

Amer. Come, come, no fibs ! You've betrayed yourself. 
This said Peter, isn't he a sweetheart ] 

Gtr. No, I don't think he is — at least, I don't know. 
What do you'call a sweetheart — one whom you love, or 
one who loves you ] 

Amer. One who loves you, of course. 



14 THE LOAN OF A LOVER. [Act I. 

Ger, Well, then, I'm right, he is not my sweetheart ; 
but I am his, for I love him dearly. 

Amcr. What a candid little soul ! And so you really 
love Peter dearly, though Peter doesn't love you \ But 
are you sure he doesn't love you % 

Ger. I don't believe he ever thought about it. 

Amer. Is it possible ! Why, you are very pretty. [^^iJe.] 
Upon my soul, she is uncommonly pretty. I vsronder I ne- 
ver noticed her before. \^Aloud.\ And so Peter has never 
thought about you % 

Ger. No— 

SONG.— ("Fotti roiZier.") 

I've no money ; so, you see, 
Peter never thinks of me — 

I own it to my sorrow ! 
Oh, could I grow rich, and he 
Be i-educed to poverty, 
What sweet revenge 'twould be for me 

To marry him to-morrow ! 

Peter's thought almost a fool, 
You have profited by school — 

Wit from you folks bon'ow ! 
Peter's plain — you handsome, gay ; * 

But if you were both to say — 
" Will you have me, Gertrude, pray ?" 

I'd marry him to-morrow ! 

Amer. There's love ! — there's devotion ! What charm- 
ing frankness ! — what innocent enthusiasm ! By Jove ! 
if she wasn't so fond of another, I should be almost tempted 
— if it were only to punish Ernestine ! I — I — [Aloud.] 
Confound that Peter ! Almost a fool — he must be a down- 
right idiot not to fall head over ears in love with such a 
sweet, dear, bewitching — [Catches her round the waist; 
he is ahout to kiss her as Peter Spyk enters with 

SWYZEL. 

Bwy. I beg your pardon, captain. 

[Both stop short — Fcter staring at Gertrude, 
Ger. [Aside\ Oh, lud, there is Peter ! 
Amer. What the devil do you want % 
Swy. Only to introduce Peter Spyk — an honest young 
farmer — who desires to be your honour's tenant. 
Amer. Peter Spyk! What, is this the Peter? 
Ger. Yes, that's Peter Spyk : and he wants to rent your 



Scene I.] 



THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 15 



farm of Appledoorn ; and I am sure you can't do better 
than to let him have it, for he's as good a farmer, and as 
honest a young man — 

Amer. If you interest yourself for him, my dear Ger- 
trude, that is sufficient. — \Aside to Siuyzel.\ Swyzel, come 
here — I am*much interested about this girl ! — I've taken a 
great fancy to her ! 

Swy. What, to our Gertrude? — to that poor, simple 
thing % Well, I thought just now you seemed rather — 
eh ? You're a terrible man, captain ! What will mara- 
zelle say % 

Amer. Oh, it's all in pure friendship, I assure you ; but 
come this way, and tell me all you know about her. [Aloud 
to Peter.] I'll speak to you presently, young man. 

[Ame?'sfort and Swyzel enter the summer-house, r. s. e. 

Ger. Peter, you'll have the farm ! 

Pet. No, shall I, though] Well, I thought he said 
something like it ; and because you asked him, too ! I 
say, you and he' seem great friends --he'd got his arm 
around your waist ! 

Ger. Had he ? — oh, yes, I believe he had. 

Pet. Well, now, I've known you ever since you were 
that high, and I'm sure I never put my arm round your 
waist ! 

Ger. No, that you never did ! But then, he's my sweet- 
heart ! 

Pet. Your sweetheart ? — yours 1 What, the captain 1 
Pshaw! you're joking! 

Ger. Joking ! — indeed I'm not joking ! What is there 
so strange in it, pray ] 

Pet. Why, in the first place, he's mamzelle's sweet- 
heart ! 

Ger. Not now. 

Pet. What, has he left her for you 1 Why, what can a 
rich officer like that see in a poor servant girl 1 

Ger. Don't be a brute, Peter ! If you can't see any- 
thing to like in me, it's no reason that others should not. 

Pet. Me ! — oh, that's a different affair; because you and 
I, you know, there's not so much difference between us, 
and — oh, by the bye, talking of that — I've been thinking 
of what you said to me, and I wont wait any longer — not 
even till to-morrow — I've fixed on Anne Stein. Her mo- 



16 THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 



[Act I. 



ther was here just now, on some business with old Swyzel, 
and something was dropped about my having the Apple- 
doorn farm ; and Swyzel says, she gave him a hint that 
her daughter Anne was very fond of me, and that decid- 
ed me at once. 

Ger. Ifdidi 

Pet. Oh, yes ; because, where a woman is really fond of 
one, you know — So, directly I've settled with the captain 
about the farm, I'll post off to Widow Stein's, and — well, 
what's the matter with you, Gertrude ? Why, you are 
crying ! 

Ger. Nothing — ^nothing ! I wish you may be happy — 
that's all, Peter. 

Pet. Thank ye — thank ye ! It's very kind of you to cry 
for joy about me, I'm sure — and I won't forget my pro- 
mise. 

Re-enter Amersfort and Swyzel Jrom the summer- 
house, R. s, E. 

Sw2/. You can't be in earnest. Captain 1 

Amer. I tell you, there it is, in black and white ! Put 
a wafer in that [Giving a note], and send it immediately 
to my lawyer's, as directed. 

Swy. [Aside.] Two thousand crowns to portion off a 
wench like that. 'Gad, she wont want a husband long. 

[Exit, R, 

Amer. [ To Peter.] Now for you, Farmer. I find there 
are writing materials in the summer-house, so we can — 

Ger. Stop ! stop ! — one word. 

Amer. What is it 1 

Ger, [Leading him apart from Peter.] You ane my beau, 
you know, and you're to do everything I bid you ! 

Amer. Of course. 

Ger. Well, then, I bid you refuse the farm to Peter 
Spyk ! 

Amer. Refuse ! — Why, I thought you said — 

Ger. It doesn't signify what I said ! — I've changed my 
mind ! 1 suppose I may do that as well as your fine la- 
dies ! You're to obey me ! — Mamzelle Ernestine said so: 
and I don't choose you shall let Peter have the farm ! 

[Speaking the last Jive ivords loud enough for Peter to 
hear. 



SctNE 1.] THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 17 

Pet. [Aside.'\ ^^ Let Peter have the fai-m !" 'Gad, she's 
giving me a famous lift with the Captain. 

Amer. Well, if you don't choose, he sha'n't have it, cer- 
tainly ; and I'm not sorry, for 1 don't think he deserves it. 
And now listen to me. I mean to help you to a good hus- 
band, and, in return, you must assist me in a little plot. I 
can't stay to tell you now ; but meet me in half an hour's 
time at the sun-dial yonder. May I depend upon you % 

Ger. That you may. 

Amer. Enough! Now, [Crosses,!..] Master Peter Spyk, 
follow me. There's no occasion for writing : we can set- 
tle this business in two words. 

Pet. [Aside.] The farm's mine ! [ To Gertrude.] I owe 
you a good turn for this ! [Exit with Amersjbrt, l. 

Ger. Indeed you do. If Anne Stein marries him now, 
I'm mistaken in the family altogether. 

Re-enter Swyzel, r. 

Swy, I've sent Delve with the note ; but I've made up 
my mind. I'm not a young man, certainly ; and I had 
no idea of changing my situation ; but two thousand 
crowns will suit me as well as anybody in the world, and 
so here goes — there's nothing like being first in the field. 
[Aloud.] Gertrude ! Gertrude ! — come hither, Gertrude ; 
1 want to say a word to you in private ! 

Ger. To me, Master Steward % [Aside.] Oh, dear, now 
he's going to scold me for something, I'm sure. A cross 
old patch ! 

Swy. Come here, I tell you ! Nearer — don't be afraid 
— I'm going to propose something for your good, my 
dear ! 

Ger. [Aside.] "My dear!" Bless me, how kind he's 
grown all of a sudden ! 

Sicy. I've known you a long while, Gertrude — from 
your cradle, in fact. I knew your poor dear father and 
mother, and I always had a great affection for you ! 

Ger. You, Mynheer Swyzel 1 — I'm sure you never 
showed it, then. 

Sviy. May be not — may be not ! I was afraid of spoil- 
ing you, as a child ; but now, you know, you are grown 
up, and very nicely you have grown up — I see it more and 
more every day — and, in short, Gertrude, I've been think- 



18 THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 



[ACT-I. 



ing that, as I am a bachelor, I couldn't do better than mar- 
ry a good, pretty girl like you, whose character and tem- 
per I have w^atched the growth of from an infant. 

Ger. You — you, Mynheer Swyzel, marry me % 

Swf/. Why not — why not ] — if you have no objection. 
I'm only fifty-five, and a hale, hearty man for that age. I 
have saved some money in the service, and — 

Ger. But T haven't a doit in the world ! 

Sivy. Nay ; nay ! — you are richer than you think for ! 

Ger. Eh ? 

Swy. In charms — in youth and beauty ! — 

Ger. [Aside.] So — so ! here's a real, downright sweet- 
heart at last ! — and old Swyzel, too, of all men in the 
world ! I shall die of laughing ! 

Sw7/. [Aside.] She's silent ! — she hesitates ! The two 
thousand crowns are mine ! 

DUTCH AIR.— Swyzel. 

My ears with sweet consentment bless ! 

Gertrude. — [Aside.^ 

The moon must, sure, be about fuU ! 
'iAloud.'] I don't say no — I don't say yes. 

Swyzel. 

Alack ! that's rather doubtful ! 

Gertrude. 

What pz-oofs have I you mean me fair f 
Your sex is of deceit, throughout, full, 

Swyzel. 

Upon my honour, I declare ! 

Gertrude. 

Alack ! that's rather doubtful ! 

Ger. [jSside,] Here's Peter coming back. If I could 
manage — [Aloud.] Besides, that isn't the way to swear you 
love a body — you should go down on your knees ! 

Swy. There ! — there, then ! [Kneels.] Charming Ger- 
trude, on my knees I swear eternal love and constancy ! 

Enter Peter, l, 

Pet. Halloo ! — why, Mynheer Swyzel, what are you 
doing there ? 



Scene I.] THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 19 

Swy. [Scrambling up.] Confusion ! [Aloud.] I— nothing- 
only kneeling to — [Aside to Gertrude.] Don't say anything 
to that fool. Come to my room as soon as you've got rid 
of him. [Exit, r. 

Ger. You here again, Peter 1 

Pet. Here again ! — I believe I am, too ; and just as I 
went away. Would you believe it 1 — Captain Am ersfort 
won't let me have the farm after all ! 

Ger. Dear me ! — you don't say so 1 

Pet. He wouldn't hear a word ; and, to make matters 
worse, old Widow Stein, who saw me talking to him, 
waited to hear the upshot ; and, when I told her, she as 
good as gave me to understand that I wasn't match enough 
for her daughter, and that Anne herself liked Groot, the 
miller, much better than she did me ! A coquette ! — you 
said she was a coquette ! — and you were quite right. I 
don't know how it is, but you're always right ! — you've 
got more sense than all of 'em put together ; and, for the 
matter of looks, why, there's the captain's vows — and, 
talking of vows, what was old Swyzel about on his knees 1 
I do believe he was vowing, too ! 

Ger. Between you and me, he was vowing all sorts of 
love to me ! — and he wants me to marry him ! 

Pet. Marry him ! — marry old Swyzel ! — and will you 1 

Ger. I don't know ! — what do you think 1 Would you 
like me to marry him, Peter ? 

Pet. Not at all ! I don't know h'^'^it is, but I can't fan- 
cy your marrying anybody—that h "^r thought of your 
marrying anybody; and, now I do . „ of it, I think — 

Ger. Well— What] 

Enter Delve, with a note, r. 

Del. Oh, Gertrude, here you are ; here's a note for you. 
It's very particular— they gave me a florin to run all the 
way ! 

Ger. A note for me % — who is it from % 

Del. The clerk at Van Nickem's, the lawyer's. I took 
a letter there for the captain, and, as his master wasn't at 
home, the clerk opened it, and wrote this answer to the 
captain, and then scribbled that for you, and begged me 
to give you yours first — and so I have : and now 1 must 
find the captain. [Exit, b. 



20 THE LOAN OF A LOVER. [Act I 

Ge7\ A note for me 1 Nobody ever wrote to me before; 
and, if they had, it would have been no use, for I can't 
read written hand. You can, Peter ; so pray open it, and 
let's hear what it's all about. 

Pet. [Opening afd reading. \ '^ MamzelleJ^ Mamzelle, 
to you ! 

Ger. Go on — go on. 

Pet. " I have loved you above all earthly beings .'" 

Ger. Bless us, and save us ! 

Pet. '^ I dared not disclose my passion ; but, believe me, 
my affection was equal to my silence." 

Ger. Then it was great indeed ! 

Pet. " / have at length summoned courage to address you, 
and if the offer of my hand and fortune''' — another propo- 
sal ! — who is the fellow that writes this ] 

Ger. Van Nickem's clerk, Delve told you. 

Pet. Yes ; here's his ugly name, sure enough, at the 
bottom of it — Simon Sneek ! 

Ger. Ah ! if I recollect, he's rather a good-looking young 
man ! 

Pet. Why, you don't mean to — 

Ger. Surely, he's better than old Swyzel ! 

Pet. "Well ! but what does it all mean % Everybody 
wants to many you ] 

Ger. I can't help that — can I ] But I shan't be in a 
hurry ; I shall do as you do — look about me ; perhaps 
somebody may o^er- *^^X I should like better. \Clock 
strikes.] Hark! t? vo o'clock! [Crosses, l.] — and I 

promised to meet u iptain at the sun-dial yonder. Good 
bye, Peter ; and mind, if you can find me a husband that 
I should like better than any of these, I'll make you a pre- 
sent the day Pm married, and you shall dance at the wed- 
ding. [Runs out, L. 

Pet. [Stands staring after her, with the note open in his 
hand.] Well, when she talks of Anne Stein always chang- 
ing her partner — she's off to meet the captain now ; and 
yet she says to me, " if you can find me a husband I should 
like better!" the idea of Gertrude having a husband ! — a 
little girl, that was only a baby the other day, as it seems 
to me. I wonder if she'd like me better ; because if she 
would-^I want a wife myself — and I don't know why I 
didn't at first — But there goes that cursed captain, running 



Scene I.] THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 21 

like mad to meet her ! — 'Gad ! I begin to feel that I don't 
like it at all. Why can't he keep to his fine ladies, and 
let the others alone ] I don't go and make love to Mam- 
zelle Ernestine, do 1 1 What business has he to talk a 
pack of stuff to Gertrude, and turn the poor girl's head ? 
He'd better mind what he's about, though — I can tell him 
that ! If he makes her unhappy, I w^ouldn't be in his shoes 
for something, for I should break every bone in my own 
skin ! 

Knter Delve, r. 

Dd. What's the matter, Master Peter % you don't look 
pleased. 

Pet. Well, I have been pleased better. 

Del. Anything in that note ] 

Tct. This note % — no. This is the note you brought 
from Van Nickem's. There's . that young rogue, Sneek, 
wants to marry Gertrude. 

Del. To marry Gertrude ! well, now, do you know, I 
think he might do worse. 

Det. Might do worse 1 — I believe he might, too ! 

Del. Gertrude's by no means ill-looking. 

Pe^. Ill-looking ?— she's very pretty. 

Del. Well — yes — I think she is, — and very good-tem- 
pered. 

Det. The best humoured soul in the world. 

Del. Do you know, Master Peter, if I thought there was 
any chance of our living comfortably together, I shouldn't 
mind making up to Gertrude myself. 

Tet. You ! — you be hanged ! 

Del. Hanged! what for, I should like to know? I 
question, now, if I couldn't afford to marry as well as young 
Sneek — he doesn't get much out of Van Nickem's pocket, 
I'll swear. 

Vet. Well, you needn't trouble your head about it, be- 
cause you shan't have her. 

Del. Why, Farmer Spyk, what have you to do v/ith it % 
— suppose I choose, and she chooses, you're neither her 
father nor her mother. If you put my blood up, I'll go 
and ask her at once. 

Fet. And if you do, you'll put my blood up — and then 
I shall knock you down. 



22 THE LOAN O^ A LOVER. [Act I. 

Del. Knock me down ! Donner and blitzen ! 

Fet. Don't provoke me ! I'm getting desperate — I mean 
to marry Gertrude myself, if she'll have me, and I'll fight 
anybody for her, v^^ith fists, knives, pistols — anything ! 

Enter Ernestine, r. 

Em. Heyday ! heyday ! what is all this noise about — 
and threat of fighting 1 

Del. It's Farmer Spyk here, and please you, Mamzelle, 
he threatens to knock me down if I go a-courting to Ger- 
li'ude — and all in an honest way, too. I'll be damned if I 
don't go and ask her right away. [Exit, l. 

Ern. To Gertrude ! — why, how long have you taken 
this fancy into your head ] 

Pet. Why, not five minutes, Mamzelle, and he has the 
impudence to set himself up against me, who have been 
in love with her — more than half an hour ! 

Ern. And where is the fair object of your contention 1 
-—what does she say to these sudden passions 1 

Pet. I'm waiting to know what she'll say to mine — but 
she's a plaguy long time with the Captain. He's the only 
rival I'm afraid of; she seems deuced fond of him — and 
he raves about her. 

Ern. [Alarmed.] He does ! [Recovei'ing lierself.\ But, of 
course — I desired him. 

Pet. You desired him, Mamzelle % 

Ern. Yes ; 1 commanded him to make love to her. 

Pet. Well, he won't be broke for disobedience, then — 
that's all I can say — for he does make love to her most fu- 
riously. I caught them myself with his arm round her 
waist, this morning ; and I dare say it's round it now, if 
the truth was known ; but I can't see, for that beastly hol- 
ly-bush. 

Ern. Why, where are they, then % 

Pet. She was to meet him at the sun-dial, and I saw 
him slinking through the trees yonder ; and just now I'm 
almost certain I caught a glimpse of them at the end of 
that walk. 

Ern. [Aside.\ I don't like this account : I'm afraid I've 
acted very silly. I repented of the freak almost as soon 
as I left them ; but ray pride would not suffer me to re- 
turn. The girl's pretty — very pretty; and if Amersfort, 
enraged at my indifference, should, out of mere spite — 



Scene I..1 THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 23 

such things have happened — oh, dear ! I do not like it at 
all. 

Pet. There she goes ! there she goes ! 

Em. With the Captain 1 

Fet. No, by herself — and there's Delve after her as 
hard as he can scamper ! I'll follow — I'll — no, I can't — 
I can't move — I — I feel very ill — my head spins round 
like a top. Here comes the Captain. 

Em. Amersfort ! I am ready to sink 1 

Pet. Don't, don't, mamzelle — for I've no strength to 
catch you. 

Enter Amersfort, l. 

Amer. [Aside.] She, is here — now for the trial. — Made- 
moiselle Ernestine, I came to seek you. 

Em. Indeed, sir: and for what purpose? I thought I 
had desired you to pay your attentions in another quarter 
for the present. 

Amer. It is in perfect accordance with that desire, that 
1 have sought this interview. I am anxious to express 
my gratitude for the blessing which you have so unex- 
pectedly bestowed on me. 

Em. What do you mean, sir? 

Amer. I m-ean, Mademoiselle Rosendaal, that the heart 
you treated with so much indifference has been accepted 
by one of the most lovely and amiable of your sex ; and 
that, in the affection of Gertrude, it has found a balm for 
all the wounds you had so wantonly inflicted on it. 

Pet. There ! there ! I told you so ! 

Em. Upon my word, sir ! and you have the assurance 
to make this confession to me ? 

Amer. Why not. Mademoiselle 1 We are not masters 
of our own affections, and therefore I will not reproach 
you. But can you be surprised that I should weary of 
loving one who did not love me ? or that, stung to the 
quick by your contempt, I should be more sensible to the 
kindness and sympathy of another ] Gertrude is lovely ! 

Pet. She is ! she is ! 

Amer. The sweetest tempered — the most frank and af- 
fectionate of beings ! 

Pet. Too true ! too true ! 

Amer. The possession of her heart is a blessing mon- 
archs might envy me. 



24 THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 



[Act I. 



Pet. I shall go mad ! 

Amcr. And moiiarchs have matched with maidens as 
lowly born, and far less deserving. 

Em. Enough ! — enough, sir ! 

Fct, No, it's not enough ! he can't say too much about 
her. She hasn't her equal upon earth. 

Amer. You are right, farmer ; and I thank you for the 
honest warmth with which you justify my choice. 

Pet. Your choice ! Don't touch me. 

Amcr. My sweet bride, — my affianced wife, — Madame 
Amersfort will thank you in person. 

Pet. His wife ! Madame Amersfort ! Cruel, faithless 
Gertrude ! 

Amer. Faithless ! why, did you ever propose to her 1 

Amer. No : but I meant to do so. — Oh, dear ! 

JEirn. Your wife ! your wife ! And you really intend to 
marry this orphan girl % 

Amer. I have desired my lawyer to prepare her mar- 
riage contract, which shall be signed this evening. 

Pet. Oh ! 

Pirn. Not in this house, sir ! I will not be insulted to 
that extent. I go this moment to inform my father. 

Amer. The Baron Van Rosendaal is already informed, 
and approves of my intentions. 

Pirn. Approves ! We shall see, sir — we shall see ! 

AIR.— (From " The Challenge.") 

Eknestine. 
Such pei-fidy never was known — 
I joy in its unmasking .' 

Peter. 
Ch, Gertrude, you've a heart of stone^ 
To break a heart so true ! 

Amersfort. 
Why, had she promised you ? 

Peter. 
No, there's her falsehood shown ! 
So bent was she on jilting me, 
She could not wait for asking. 

Amersfort. 
Well, there with you I must agi*ee. 
Such ialsehood ne'er was known. 



Scene I.] THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 25 



Peter. 

I'm sm-e with me you must agree, 
Such falsehood ne'er was known. 

Ernestine. 

*Tis well, 'tis well, sir^we shall see. 

Such falsehood ne'er was known. lEzit, r. 

Amer: \Aside?[ Yes, yes, my fair tyrant, your father is 
in the plot ! I think we have you now. — \Aloud?^ Well, 
my good friend, I must say I pity you extremely : — you 
have lost a model of a wife. 

Fet. Don't ! don't ! 

Amer. But where is she ? — where is my adored Ger- 
trude % 

Enter Gertrude, l. s. e., dressed as a bride. Amersfort 
77iakes signs to her not to speaky and points at Peter, who 
stands in an attitude of comic despair, with his back to- 
wards them. 

I must hasten to find her. I cannot bear to be an instant 
from her sight. Oh, Peter ! Peter ! what a treasure has 
escaped you ! [Exit, r,, exchanging signs with Gertrude. 

Pet. [Soliloquising.] Escaped me ! — as if I was a mad 
dog, and it was an escape for Gertrude ! An escape ! and 
I have let her escape ! Well, well, she wont be Madame 
Swyzel, nor Madame Sneek ; and that rascal Delve hasn't 
got her — that's one comfort. Comfort ! I talk of com- 
fort 1 I shall never know comfort again ! Oh, Gertrude ! 
Gertrude ! 

Ger. [Advancing, r.] Did you call me, Peter 1 

Pet. Ha! what do I see ? There's a dress — a wedding 
dress ! It is ! it is ! 

Ger. It is — it is a beautiful dress, as you say, and I 
don't wonder you start to see me in such a dress ; but as 
the bride of a Captain, you know — 

Pet. (l.) It is true, then, you are going — going to mar- 
ry Captain Amersfort "? 

Ger. Ah, he has told you, then 1 Well, I was in hopes 
of giving you an agreeable surprise. 

Pet. An agreeable surprise ! 

Ger. Why, are you not delighted, Peter, at my good 
fortune 1 



26 THE LOAN 1 OF A LOVER. [Act I. 

Pet. Delighted! 

Ger. Only think — a poor orphan girl like me, whom 
nobody loved, and nobody cared about — 

Pet. It isn't true. T cared about you — I loved you — 
I doated on you ! 

Ger. You, Peter ! you ! Mercy on me ! And why 
didn't you tell me so, then 1 

Pet. Because I didn't know it myself, then ; but I do 
now, Gertrude — I do now. 

Ger. Now !— ^now that it is too late 1 

Pet. But is it ? — Is it too late ] You are not married 
yet. 

Ger. No, but I have promised. The contract is ordered, 
and this beautiful dress was bought by the Captain on pur- 
pose. You would not have me behave so shamefully to 
one who loves me dearly 1 

Pet. But I — I love you dearly. 

Ger. Ah, if you had but said so an hour ago ! But you 
thought of everybody but me. 

Pet. I know it — 1 know it. But then nobody thought 
of you ; and now everybody does, and it proves to me 
that you — you are the only girl in the world that I ought 
to marry ; and if you won't have me, I — I know what I'll 
do. 

Ger. Dear me, Peter, what 1 

Pet. I'll fling myself into the canal. 

Ger. Nonsense ! 

Pet. You see if I don't then. I'm not desperate till I 
take anything in my head ; but then nothing can turn me. 

AIR.— (" Take care of the comer.") 

Peter. 

I rush to my fate, 

And my funeral straight- 
Way shall follow my latest transgression ! 

And in the church-yard 

It shall go very hard, 
But it meets with your bridal procession ! 

When my coffin appeal's, 

You will melt into tears, 
And your friends ia your grief will be shares. 

Gertrude. 

Oh, yes, not only I, 



Scene 1. J THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 27 

But my husband will ciy — 
" Stand out of the way," to the bearers ! 

Vet. Laughed at ! I'll jump over the w^all, here, into 
the canal, before your face. 

Ger. Indeed you shan't. Peter, don't be a fool. — {Try- 
ing to hold him.] — Oh, dear, he will ! Murder ! — ^lielp ! 

Enter Ernestine, r. 

Em. What's the matter now ] 

Ger. Oh, Mamzelle, help me to hold Peter. He wants 
to drown himself. 

Er7i. He is sillier than ever I supposed him, if he would 
drown himself for so worthless a person. I wonder you 
are not ashamed to look me in the face. 

Ger. I'm very sorry, Mam2elle. I know you only lent 
me a lover ; but how can I give you him back, if he wont 

Ern. Cease your impertinence. Your simplicity is all 
affected. 

Ger. I'm sure, Mamzelle, if the Captain will only con- 
sent, I'll give him up with pleasure. 

Pet. You will % 

Ern. You will 1 Hark ye, Gertrude ! Don't think that 
I care the least about Captain Amersfort — his behaviour 
has entirely destroyed any little affection I might have 
had for him ; but only to vex him in my turn, if you will 
promise not to marry him — 

Pet. Do, do. 

Ern. I will settle a handsome income on you. 

Pet. There ! there ! 

Ern. Tell him that you do not love him. 

Pet. Yes, yes. 

Ern. That you*loYe another — anybody. , 

Pet. Yes, me ! — I'm ready to be loved. 

Ger. [Aside.] I see him ! — now's the time. [Aloud.] 
Well, Mamzelle, I believe it would be only the truth — I 
have a great respect for Captain Amersfoit, but I certainly 
do not love him — and perhaps I do love somebody else. 

[Looking at Peter. 
Vet. Oh, Gertrude ! 



28 THE LOAN OF A LOVER. [Act I, 

Enter Amersport, unseen hy tJiem^ l. u. e. 

Ger. But how can I consent to make him wretched ? 
If there was any chance of your making it up — if I 
thought you still loved the Captain, and would make him 
happy in the avowal — 

Em. Would that decide you % 

Fet. [ To Ernestine.] Oh, do, then ! — do ! 

Em. What would you have me say % 

Ger. That you forgive him, and are willing to marry 
him, if I give him up. 

Em. Well, then, I am vidlling. 

Amer. [ Taking her hand.] And so am I ! 

Ger. And so am I. 

Pet. Hurrah ! 

Em. Captain Amersfort here ? This was a plot, then ! 

Amer. Own that it was to secure your happiness, Er- 
nestine, and you make mine forever. 

Em. Well, I believe I deserved this lesson. 

T*et. And I'm sure I did. 

Ger. You've made up your mind, then, that I shall mar- 
ry you now ? 

Ect. To be sure I have. 

Ger. Well, as you say, when you once do take a thing 
in your head, nothing can turn you, I suppose it's useless 
to say " No." There is my hand, dear Peter. 

Arner. And I suppose I may let him have the farm now. 

Ger. If you please, Captain. 

Amer. And give him the two thousand crowns that I de- 
sired Van Nickem to settle on you as a wedding portion. 

Eet. Ah ! then that's why young Sneek — but no matter. 

FINALE.— (Tr/o, from " The Challenge.'') 
Peter, Gertrude, and Ernestine. 

TT MS mine, tt > is mine. Let the stars work their will, 

If our patrons approve, nothing now can go ill ; 

But the lover we lend must with them make his way, 

Or our dealings will end with the devil to pay. 

Ernestine. 
Should they not then befriend us ? 



#**■ 



Sc?:ne I.] THE LOAN OF A LOVER. 29 

Gertrude. 

I will hope for the best, 
If one kind friend will lend us 
His hands to move the rest. 
Will you ask ? 

Peter. 

No, do you. 

Gertrude. — [To the Audience.'] 

Do you like it ? 

Peter. 

Say do you. 

All. 

Oh, happy hour ! Oh, joyous night ! 
Our patrons share in our delight. 

TT^ > is mine ! tt > is mine ! Let the stars work their willj 

Since our friends have approved, nothing now can go ill; 
The lover we lent has with them made his way, 
And their smiles of content all our toils overpay. 

DISPOSITION OF THE CHARACTERS AT THE FALL OF 
THE CURTAIN. 

Ernestine. Gertrude. 

Amersfort. Peter. 

K.] V [L. 

THE END. 



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18. HAMLET. A Tragedy. By Shakspeare. 

19. CHARLES II.; or. The Merry Monarch. A Comedy. 

20. VENICE PRESERVED. A Tragedy. By Thomas Otway. 

21. PIZARRO; a Tragedy. Altered from Kotzebue by Sheridan. 

22. THE LOVE-CHASE. A C.)medy. By .5as. Sheridan Knowles 

23. OTHELLO. A Trasedy. Bv Shakspeare. 

24. LEND ME FIVE SHILLINGS. By John Maddison Morton. 

With a Portrait and Memoir of Mr. W. E. BURTON. 





VOL. IV. 




25. 


Virginius. By .T. S. Knowles. 29. 


Two Gentlemen of Verona. 


26. 


The King oF ihe Commons. 30. 


The .Tealous Wife. 


27. 


London Assurance. 31. 


The Rivals. 


28. 


The Rent- Day. 32. 


Perfection. 



With a Portrait and Memoir of Mr. J. H. RACKET. 



33. A New Way to Fay Old Debts.* 

34. Look Before You Leap. 
! 35. King John. 

36. The Nervous Man. 

With a beautif.d Portrait of GEORGE COLMAN the Elder. 
42. Romeo and Juliet. — 44. GHiarles the Twelfth. 



37. Damon and Pythias. 

3!?. The Clandestine Marriage. 

39. William Tell. 



IN PRESS, 
Speed the Plough. The Iron Chest, Road to Ruin, Bertram, &c. 

WM. TAYLOR & CO., 2 Astor House. 



